Educator Effectiveness

Teachers' Top Three from ESE - July 30, 2015

1. Did you know?: The Office of Educator Licensure is the largest point of contact between ESE and educators. Over the past year, the licensure team evaluated over 135,000 applications, issued more than 37,000 licenses, processed over 58,000 license renewals, and endorsed over 13,450 Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) teachers. On top of these reviews, the team answers an average of 875 phone calls each week to the Licensure Call Center (781-338-6600).
   
   In the last year, the licensure team reduced the turn-around time for licensure application reviews from 34 weeks to less than two weeks, updated the licensure website (now on Mass.gov), and is finishing renovations to the Welcome Center at ESE at 75 Pleasant St. in Malden. The team's focus on improving customer service was recently recognized by Governor Baker and received the 2015 Manuel Carballo Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Service.
   
   Educators, school districts, and preparation programs can now upload documents directly into ELAR, speeding up processing time. For instructions on how to upload a document into ELAR (Educator Licensure and Recruitment), please visit: How to Upload Documents to ELAR: A Step by Step Guide .

2. Meet an ESE Staff Member: Deborah Walker, Educator Effectiveness Specialist
   
   Deborah began her career teaching middle and high school English for a number of years in both Kentucky and Arkansas to middle and high school students. While in Kentucky she was actively involved in the Kentucky Education Association (KEA) at the district, regional and state level, where she served as a member of the KEA State Board of Directors. She was also a member of the KEA Political Action Committee.
   
   At ESE, Deborah has been involved in numerous initiatives, but she is currently the coordinator for the educator recognition programs, including Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, History Teacher of the Year, Milken National Educator Award, and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She also oversees the federal Title II, Part A Improving Educator Quality grant for all districts in Massachusetts. The grant is intended to support educators in becoming more effective. All districts are eligible to receive grant funds, though the amount varies by the size of the district. Many districts use the money to improve mentoring programs and provide professional development for educators.
   
   The nominating process for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year is now open year-round. Find out more at Nominate a Teacher for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.
   
   Psst: We're not the only ones who recognize outstanding teachers. The website of TNTP recently featured Fishman Winner Erin Dukeshire of Orchard Gardens K-8 Pilot School in Boston.

3. Get Involved: Nominate Outstanding District Leaders by Aug. 1st
   Education Week is currently seeking nominations for the Leaders to Learn From 2016 report. The report profiles school district leaders who are innovative and work collaboratively with school committees, educators, and families. The nomination form is short and submissions are due by Saturday, August 1st.
   
   In 2015, Patricia Spradley, chief of parent and community engagement in Springfield, was featured in the report. You can read about past leaders and see videos highlighting their work at Education Week Leaders To Learn From.